Angels of Anarchy: Women Artists and Surrealism at Manchester Art Gallery 26th September – 10th January 2010

Manchester Art Gallery hosts an internationally significant exhibition exploring the role of women artists in the development of Surrealism.

Though Surrealism is one of contemporary art's most celebrated movements, the role that women artists played in its development is rarely recognised. Now Manchester Art Gallery will host the first exhibition in Europe to explore the work and influence of women artists on Surrealism.

The exhibition explores five traditionally male-dominate themes - landscape, portraiture, still life, fantasy and domestic settings – through the work of both well-known and less recognised women Surrealist artists. Bringing together 100 items by 33 artists including paintings, photographs, prints, sculptures and objects, the exhibition explores how women artists challenged traditional male concepts and practices to create a movement which recognised their experiences as women and artists.

Among the works shown are Leonora Carrington's Self Portrait (The Inn of the Dawn Horse), Frida Kahlo's Diego and I, and Mimi Oppenheim's iconic Fur Gloves with Wooden Fingers. There will also be the rare pairing of two of Eileen Agar's works, Angel of Anarchy and Angel of Mercy.

There will be an extensive series of events to run throughout the exhibition including talks, lectures, tours, workshops with contemporary artists and readings of Surrealist poetry.